System and method for creating still images by utilizing a video camera device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for creating still images by utilizing a video camera comprises a cradle device that transports the video camera across a target object during a scanning procedure that captures and stores video data. During the scanning procedure, a motion detector captures and provides scan motion data to a scanning manager from the video camera. The scanning manager may then responsively utilize the scan motion data to accurately extract still frames corresponding to the target object from the captured video data at pre-determined time intervals. A stitching software program may then access and combine the still frames generated by the scanning manager to thereby create composite still images.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to, and claims priority in, U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/187,337, entitled “VideoStream Stitching,” filed on Mar. 6, 2000. The foregoing relatedapplication is commonly assigned, and is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND SECTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to techniques for capturingvisual information, and relates more particularly to a system and methodfor creating still images by utilizing a video camera device.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0005] Implementing effective methods for capturing visual informationis a significant consideration for designers and manufacturers ofcontemporary electronic devices. However, effectively capturing visualinformation by utilizing electronic devices may create substantialchallenges for system designers. For example, enhanced demands forincreased device functionality and performance may require more systemprocessing power and require additional hardware resources. An increasein processing or hardware requirements may also result in acorresponding detrimental economic impact due to increased productioncosts and operational inefficiencies.

[0006] Furthermore, enhanced device capability to perform variousadvanced operations may provide additional benefits to a system user,but may also place increased demands on the control and management ofvarious device components. For example, an enhanced electronic devicethat effectively captures, processes, and displays digital video datamay benefit from an efficient implementation because of the large amountand complexity of the digital data involved.

[0007] Due to factors like the growing demands on system functionality,it is apparent that developing new techniques for capturing visualinformation is a matter of concern for related electronic technologies.Therefore, for all the foregoing reasons, developing effective systemsfor capturing visual information remains a significant consideration fordesigners, manufacturers, and users of contemporary electronic devices.

SUMMARY

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a system and method aredisclosed for creating still images by utilizing a video camera. In oneembodiment, a selected target object may preferably be positioned on anappropriate surface for effective scanning by the video camera. Thetarget object may preferably include any desired photographic target.For example, the target object may include various physical objects,graphical images, documents, or geographic locations.

[0009] A support device herein referred to as a cradle may then beaccurately aligned over the target object for transporting the videocamera along a fixed scanning track to thereby effectively scan the fulllength of the target object from a starting index location to an endingindex location. The cradle preferably supports the video camera in amanner that permits the video camera to maintain an unobstructed view ofthe target object along an optical path.

[0010] A system user may initiate the scanning procedure using anyappropriate manual or automatic means. In response, the cradlepreferably begins to move down the scanning track, and the video camerapreferably begins scanning the target object to capture correspondingvideo data. In accordance with the present invention, a motion sensorsimultaneously may capture and provide scan motion data, including oneor more scan speeds, to the video camera.

[0011] A scanning manager coupled to the video camera may preferablythen create an initial still frame from the captured video data. Then,at a pre-determined time interval, the scanning manager may preferablycreate a new current still frame from the captured video data. Thescanning manager may then preferably determine an overlap region betweenthe current still frame and the initial still frame.

[0012] Then, a stitching software program may preferably analyze andcombine the video data in the foregoing overlap region to therebyproduce a single composite still image from the current still frame andthe initial still frame. Next, if the scanning procedure has not beencompleted, then the scanning manager preferably returns to sequentiallygenerate one or more additional current still frames which may becombined by the stitching software program to create a composite stillimage of the target object.

[0013] The foregoing process is described as a reiterative procedure inwhich sequential pairs of still frames are generated and combined into acomposite still image. However, in alternate embodiments, the presentinvention may readily create a composite still image using various othersequences and techniques. For example, in certain embodiments, thepresent invention may generate and concurrently combine all still framesfor a given target object in a single concurrent operation. In addition,the present invention may generate and concurrently combine discreteblocks of still frames corresponding to a given target object. Thepresent invention therefore provides an improved a system and method forcreating still images by utilizing a video camera device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a block diagram for one embodiment of a video camera, inaccordance with the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the capturesubsystem of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the control moduleof FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the memory of FIG.3, in accordance with the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 5 is an elevation view for one embodiment of a scanningsystem, in accordance with the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a series of still frames of atarget object, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a series of overlapping stillframes of a target object, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention; and

[0021]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of method steps for creating still images byutilizing a video camera, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present invention relates to an improvement in visualinformation capture techniques. The following description is presentedto enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventionand is provided in the context of a patent application and itsrequirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principlesherein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present inventionis not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and featuresdescribed herein.

[0023] The present invention comprises a system and method for creatingstill images by utilizing a video camera, and preferably includes acradle device that transports the video camera across a target objectduring a scanning procedure to capture and store corresponding videodata. During the scanning procedure, a motion detector preferably maycapture and provide scan motion data to a scanning manager from thevideo camera. The scanning manager may then responsively utilize thescan motion data to accurately extract still frames corresponding to thetarget object from the captured video data at pre-determined timeintervals. A stitching software program may preferably then access andcombine the still frames generated by the scanning manager to therebycreate composite still images.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram for one embodiment of avideo camera 110 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. Inthe FIG. 1 embodiment, video camera 110 may include, but is not limitedto, a capture subsystem 114, a system bus 116, and a control module 118.In the FIG. 1 embodiment, capture subsystem 114 may be optically coupledto a target object 112, and may also be electrically coupled via systembus 116 to control module 118.

[0025] In alternate embodiments, video camera 110 may readily includevarious other components in addition to, or instead of, those componentsdiscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 1 embodiment. In addition, incertain embodiments, the present invention may alternately be embodiedin any appropriate type of electronic device other than the video camera110 of FIG. 1. For example, video camera 110 may readily be implementedas part of a scanner device or other imaging device.

[0026] In the FIG. 1 embodiment, once a system user has focused capturesubsystem 114 on target object 112 and requested video camera 110 tocapture video data corresponding to target object 112, then controlmodule 118 may preferably instruct capture subsystem 114 via system bus116 to capture video data representing target object 112. The capturedvideo data may then be transferred over system bus 116 to control module118, which may responsively perform various processes and functions withthe video data. System bus 116 may also bi-directionally pass variousstatus and control signals between capture subsystem 114 and controlmodule 118.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram for one embodiment ofthe FIG. 1 capture subsystem 114 is shown, in accordance with thepresent invention. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, capture subsystem 114preferably comprises a lens 220 having an iris (not shown), a filter222, an image sensor 224, a timing generator 226, an analog signalprocessor (ASP) 228, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 230, aninterface 232, and one or more motors 234 to adjust the focus of lens220. In alternate embodiments, capture subsystem 114 may readily includevarious other components in addition to, or instead of, those componentsdiscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 2 embodiment.

[0028] In the FIG. 2 embodiment, capture subsystem 114 may preferablycapture video data corresponding to target object 112 via reflectedlight impacting image sensor 224 along optical path 236. Image sensor224, which may preferably include a charged-coupled device (CCD), mayresponsively generate video data representing the target object 112. Thevideo data may then be routed through ASP 228, A/D converter 230, andinterface 232. Interface 232 may preferably include separate interfacesfor controlling ASP 228, motors 234, and timing generator 226. Frominterface 232, the video data passes over system bus 116 to controlmodule 118 for appropriate processing and storage. The target object 112is presented for purposes of illustration, and may readily include anydesired type of target object, or target area. For example, targetobject 112 may include various types of images, documents, physicalobjects, or geographic locations.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram for one embodiment ofthe FIG. 1 control module 118 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, control module 118 preferablyincludes, but is not limited to, a viewfinder 308, a central processingunit (CPU) 344, a memory 346, and an input/output interface (I/O) 348.Viewfinder 308, CPU 344, memory 346, and I/O 348 preferably are eachcoupled to, and communicate, via common system bus 116 that alsocommunicates with capture subsystem 114. In alternate embodiments,control module 118 may readily include various other components inaddition to, or instead of, those components discussed in conjunctionwith the FIG. 3 embodiment.

[0030] In the FIG. 3 embodiment, CPU 344 may preferably be implementedto include any appropriate microprocessor device. Memory 346 maypreferably be implemented as one or more appropriate storage devices,including, but not limited to, video tape, read-only memory,random-access memory, and various types of non-volatile memory, such asfloppy disc devices, hard disc devices, or flash memory. I/O 348preferably may provide one or more effective interfaces for facilitatingbidirectional communications between video camera 110 and any externalentity, including a system user or another electronic device. I/O 348may be implemented using any appropriate input and/or output devices.The operation and utilization of control module 118 is further discussedbelow in conjunction with FIGS. 4 through 8.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagram for one embodiment ofthe FIG. 3 memory 346 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, memory 346 preferably includes, butis not limited to, application software 412, an operating system 414, ascanning manager 416, a stitching software program 418, a displaymanager 420, video data 422, and scan motion data 424. In alternateembodiments, memory 346 may readily include various other components inaddition to, or instead of, those components discussed in conjunctionwith the FIG. 4 embodiment.

[0032] In the FIG. 4 embodiment, application software 412 may includesoftware instructions that are preferably executed by CPU 344 (FIG. 3)to perform various functions and operations for video camera 110. Theparticular nature and functionality of application software 412preferably varies depending upon factors such as the specific type andparticular use of the corresponding video camera 110.

[0033] In the FIG. 4 embodiment, operating system 414 preferablycontrols and coordinates low-level functionality of video camera 110. Inaccordance with the present invention, scanning manager 416 preferablymay control and coordinate the operation of a scan mode to effectivelyprocess video data for producing a corresponding composite still image.Stitching software program 418 may preferably receive a series ofselected still frames of the foregoing captured video data 422 fromscanning manager 416, to thereby produce a composite still image, asfurther discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 5 through 8. Inalternate embodiments, scanning manager 416 and/or stitching softwareprogram 418 may be implemented in an entity that is external to videocamera 110. For example, scanning manager 416 and/or stitching softwareprogram 418 may be implemented in a computer device or a network serviceto access and process video data previously captured by video camera110.

[0034] In the FIG. 4 embodiment, display manager 420 preferably mayaccess video data, and responsively display the video data uponviewfinder 308. Video data 422 may preferably include one or moreindividual segments of video information that are each captured usingcapture subsystem 114 and responsively provided to control module 118,as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 2.

[0035] In the FIG. 4 embodiment, the foregoing segments of video data422 may be captured and stored by video camera 110 in a series ofcontiguous and periodic video frames. For example, in certainembodiments, the foregoing video frames may occur at a rate of thirtyframes per second. However, in other embodiments, video data 422 may becaptured and stored using any effective organization, timing sequence,or implementational technique. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, each of thevideo frames of video data 422 may include a complete set of pictureelement (pixels) that correspond to a particular target object 112.

[0036] In alternate embodiments, video data 422 may be configured as anseries of key video frames that preferably may each be followed by aseries of difference video frames that each only include those alteredpixels that have changed from the key pixels in the corresponding keyvideo frame. Video camera 110 may thus conserve substantial processingand memory resources by not encoding and handling reoccurring pixels invideo data 422. A new key video frame may preferably occur when apredetermined key threshold of change is exceeded between those pixelsfrom a current difference frame and the pixels from the preceding keyvideo frame. The key video frames and difference video frames preferablyare arranged in a contiguous sequence, and preferably reoccur at aperiodic time interval, such as thirty frames per second.

[0037] In the FIG. 4 embodiment, scan motion data 424 may preferablyinclude any relevant information regarding the capture of video data422. For example, scan motion data 424 may include one or more scanspeeds and/or one or more scan directions. Additional details regardingthe capture and utilization of scan motion data 424 are furtherdiscussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 5 through 8.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, a side elevation view for one embodimentof a scanning system 510 is shown, in accordance with the presentinvention. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, scanning system 510 preferablyincludes, but is not limited to, a target object 512, a cradle 514, amotion sensor 516, and video camera 110. In alternate embodiments,scanning system 510 may readily include various other components andfunctionalities in addition to, or instead of, those components andfunctionalities discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 5 embodiment.

[0039] In the FIG. 5 embodiment, a selected target object 512 maypreferably be positioned on an appropriate surface for effectivescanning by video camera 110. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, target object512 may preferably include any desired photographic target. For example,target object 512 may include various physical objects, graphicalimages, documents, or geographic locations. A support device hereinreferred to as cradle 514 may then be accurately aligned over targetobject 512 on wheels (including wheels 520(a) and 520(b)) fortransporting video camera 110 along a fixed scanning track in thedirection of motion arrow 518, to thereby effectively scan the fulllength of target object 512 from a starting index location to an endingindex location.

[0040] In the FIG. 5 embodiment, cradle 514 preferably supports videocamera 110 in a manner that permits video camera 110 to maintain anunobstructed view of target object 512 along optical path 236. Inaccordance with the present invention, cradle 514 or video camera 110may preferably include a motion sensor 516 that generates scan motiondata 424 related to the motion of video camera 110 during a particularscanning procedure. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, motion sensor 516 mayderive one or more scan speeds for a given scanning procedure bymonitoring the rotational velocity of wheel 520(a) and/or wheel 520(b).In accordance with the present invention, motion sensor 516 may thenprovide the one or more scan speeds to video camera 110 via path 518.

[0041] In alternate embodiments, scanning system 510 may be implementedusing any other effective configuration. For example, video camera 110may remain stationary, while target object 110 is moved past opticalpath 236. Motion sensor 516 may then provide scan motion data 424corresponding to the moving target object 512. Alternately, a reflectivedevice may be utilized to perform a scanning procedure for a stationaryvideo camera 110 and a stationary target object 512, and scan motiondata 424 may be generated based upon the motion of the foregoingreflective device. The functionality and utilization of scanning system510 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 6 through 8.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram for a series of stillframes 614 of a target object 112 is shown, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, theseries of still frames 614 of target object 112 includes, but is notlimited to, a still frame A (614(a)), a still frame B (614(b)), a stillframe C (614(c)), and a still frame D (614(d)). The FIG. 6 embodiment ispresented for purposes of illustration. In alternate embodiments, aseries of still frames 614 of target object 112 may readily includevarious other still frames 614 with various other alignments, inaddition to, or instead of, those still frames 614 and alignmentsdiscussed in conjunction with the FIG. 6 embodiment. Furthermore, inalternate embodiments, target object 112 may be represented using anydesired number of still frames 614.

[0043] In the FIG. 6 embodiment, scanning manager 416 preferablyextracts a series of still frames 614 from a stream of video data 422,and then provides the series of still frames 614 to a stitching softwareprogram 418 which responsively combines the series of still frames 614into a single composite still image. In the FIG. 6 example, eachadjacent pair of still frames 614(a) through 614(d) are shown as beingprecisely aligned without overlap between adjacent still frames 614.

[0044] In accordance with the present invention, scanning manager 416therefore preferably may generate each of the still frames 614 at aspecific time interval that depends upon the scan speed of scanningsystem 510 and the length of still frames 614. In practice, scanningmanager 416 may preferably obtain scan motion data 424, including one ormore scan speeds, from motion sensor 516. Scanning manager 416 may thencalculate the specific time interval and physical location during ascanning procedure at which video camera 110 captures the particularvideo data 422 corresponding to each of the still frames 614 in the FIG.6 embodiment. Scanning manager 416 then may sequentially generate eachstill frame 614 by extracting the appropriate still frame 614 from videodata 422 at the correct time interval.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 7, a diagram of a series of overlappingstill frames 614 of a target object 112 is shown, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. In the FIG. 7 embodiment, theseries of overlapping still frames 614 of target object 112 includes,but is not limited to, a still frame E (614(e)), a still frame F(614(f), a still frame G (614(g)), and a still frame H (614(h)). TheFIG. 7 embodiment is presented for purposes of illustration. Inalternate embodiments, a series of still frames 614 of target object 112may readily include various other still frames 614 with various otheralignments, in addition to, or instead of, those still frames 614 andthose alignments discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 7 embodiment.Furthermore, in alternate embodiments, target object 112 may berepresented using any desired number of overlapping still frames 614.

[0046] In the FIG. 7 embodiment, still frame E (614(e)) through stillframe H (614(h)) each preferably includes an adjacent still frameoverlap region with the other respective adjacent still frames in thehorizontal scanning direction. For example, an overlap region X (760) isshown in the FIG. 7 embodiment between still frame E (614(e)) and stillframe F (614(f), from axis 734 until axis 738. In order for stitchingsoftware program 418 to effectively create a composite still image oftarget object 112 by combining adjacent still frame E (614(e)) throughstill frame H (614(h)), an optimized adjacent still frame overlap regionmay be utilized. For example, stitching software program 418 may requirea certain adjacent still frame overlap region in order to optimallycompare and combine adjacent still frames 614 to thereby produce asingle composite still image of target object 112.

[0047] In the FIG. 7 embodiment, scanning manager 416 preferablyextracts a series of still frames 614 from a stream of video data 422,and then provides the series of still frames 614 to stitching softwareprogram 418 which responsively combines the series of still frames 614into a single composite still image. In accordance with the presentinvention, scanning manager 416 therefore preferably may generate eachof the still frames 614 at a specific time interval that depends uponthe scan speed of scanning system 510 and the length of still frames614. In practice, scanning manager 416 may preferably obtain scan motiondata 424, including one or more scan speeds, from motion sensor 516.Scanning manager 416 may then calculate the specific time interval andphysical location (during a scanning procedure) at which video camera110 captures the particular video data 422 corresponding to each of thestill frames 614 in the FIG. 7 embodiment. Scanning manager 416 then maysequentially generate each still frame 614 by extracting the appropriatestill frame 614 from video data 422 at the correct time interval.

[0048] In the FIG. 7 embodiment, a given scan speed for scanning system510 may be expressed by the following formula:

Scan Speed=Non-Overlapped Scan Distance/Time Interval

[0049] where Non-Overlapped Scan Distance is a length of anon-overlapped region of a still frame 614 prior to a start of a nextstill frame 614, and Time Interval is a length of time required bycradle 514 to transport video camera 110 across the foregoingNon-Overlapped Scan Distance to a start of the next still frame 614. Forexample, in the FIG. 7 embodiment, a Scan Speed may be calculated usingstill frame E (614(e)) in which the Non-Overlapped Scan Distance is thenon-overlapped region between axis 730 and axis 734, and Scan TimeInterval is the length of time required for cradle 514 to travel fromaxis 730 to axis 734.

[0050] In the FIG. 7 embodiment, each still frame 614 preferably has apre-determined still frame length, depending upon the type of videocamera 110. Scanning manager 416 or stitching software program 418 maytherefore calculate an overlap length for the foregoing overlap regionsaccording to the following formula:

Overlap Length=Still Frame Length−Non-Overlapped Scan Distance

[0051] where Overlap Length is a distance from a start of an overlapregion to an end of the same overlap region. For example, in the FIG. 7embodiment, overlap region X (760) has an Overlap Length that extendsfrom axis 734 to axis 738.

[0052] In the FIG. 7 embodiment, a system user of video camera 110 maypreferably select various desired scanning parameters for capturingvideo data 422 to create a still image, in accordance with the presentinvention. For example, a system user may preferably select a scan speedfor performing a scanning procedure with scanning system 510. A systemuser may also preferably select a time interval at which scanningmanager 416 sequentially generates new still images 614. In certainembodiments, scanning manager 416 may preferably generate an errorwarning on a user interface mechanism if a time interval is selected toproduce still images 614 which are aligned in excess of a minimumadjacent still image overlap value.

[0053] A system user may thus select a shorter time interval forgenerating still frames 614 to thereby produce adjacent still images 614with greater overlap regions. Stitching software program 418 mayresponsively utilize the duplicated video data in the overlap regions togenerate improved photographic detail and greater resolution in thefinal composite still image. Conversely, a system user may select alonger time interval for generating still frames 614 to simplify andexpedite the operation of scanning manager 416 and stitching softwareprogram 418.

[0054] The adjacent overlapping still frames 614 may thus be combinedinto a composite still image by utilizing stitching software program 418or any other effective means, from either within video camera 110 orexternal to video camera 110. In certain embodiments of the presentinvention, scanning manager 416 and display manager 420 may presentvarious types of user interfaces upon viewfinder 308 or elsewhere onvideo camera 110. For example, a “scan mode” indicator with variousselected parameter indicia maybe displayed to indicate the currentperformance of a corresponding scanning procedure by video camera 110.

[0055] The FIG. 7 embodiment is disclosed with respect to a video camera110 in which video data 422 is captured in a sequence that moves fromleft to right across a given target object 112. However, appropriatechanges to the implementation and configuration of video camera 110 mayreadily be made to facilitate the capture of successive adjacent imageswhile moving the video camera 110 in any desired direction. For example,a system user may utilize a user interface mechanism to choose from aselectable capture sequence that includes one or more of a left-rightsequence, a right-left sequence, an up-down sequence, and a down-upsequence.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 8, a flowchart of method steps for creatinglive images by utilizing a video camera 110 is shown, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. The FIG. 8 embodiment ispresented for purposes of illustration, and, in alternate embodiments,the present invention may readily utilize various other steps andsequences than those discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 8embodiment.

[0057] In the FIG. 8 embodiment, initially, in step 812, a system usermay utilize scanning system 510 to frame a selected target object 512for performing a scanning procedure. In certain embodiments, videocamera 110 may include manual and/or automatic zoom and focus mechanismsto thereby accommodate any size of target object 512. In addition,cradle 514 may include various types of photographic lighting devices toeffectively illuminate target object 512.

[0058] In step 816, the system user may select any desired scanningparameters for performing the scanning procedure. For example, asdiscussed above in conjunction with FIG. 7, scanning system 510 mayinclude a scan resolution control, a scan direction control, a scanspeed control, and/or a time interval control for sequentiallygenerating still frames 614.

[0059] Next, in step 820, the system user may initiate the scanningprocedure using any appropriate manual or automatic means. In response,scanning system 510 preferably begins scanning target object 512 andcapturing video data 422. In accordance with the present invention,motion sensor 516 simultaneously may capture and provide scan motiondata 424, including one or more scan speeds, to video camera 110. Instep 826, scanning manager 416 may preferably create an initial stillframe 614 from the captured video data 422. Then, in step 828, at apre-determined time interval, scanning manager 416 may preferably createa new current still frame 614 from the captured video data 422.

[0060] In step 832, either scanning manager 416 or stitching softwareprogram 418 may preferably determine an overlap region between theforegoing current still frame 614 and an immediately preceding stillframe 614. In accordance with the present invention, scanning manager416 or stitching software program 418 may utilize any effectivetechnique to determine the overlap region, including the techniquesdiscussed above in conjunction with FIG. 7.

[0061] Then, in step 836, stitching software program 418 may preferablyanalyze and combine the video data 422 in the foregoing overlap regionto thereby produce a single composite still image from the current stillframe 614 and the immediately-preceding still frame 614. In step 840,scanning system 510 preferably determines whether the scanning procedurehas been completed. In certain embodiments, a scan end index of scanningsystem 510 may indicate that the entire target object 512 has beenscanned, and that the scanning procedure has therefore been completed.In the event that the scanning procedure has been completed, the FIG. 8process terminates. However, if the scanning procedure has not beencompleted, then the FIG. 8 process preferably returns to foregoing step828 to sequentially generate one or more additional current still frames614 for use by scanning manager 416 and stitching software program 418in creating a composite still image of target object 512.

[0062] The FIG. 8 process is described as a reiterative procedure inwhich sequential pairs of still frames are generated and combined into acomposite still image. However, in alternate embodiments, the presentinvention may readily create a composite still image using varioussequences and technique other that those discussed in conjunction withthe FIG. 8 embodiment. For example, in alternate embodiments, thepresent invention may generate and combine all still frames 614 for agiven target object 512 in a single concurrent operation. Alternately,the present invention may generate and combine a number of discretestill frame blocks that are each comprised of multiple still frames 614from a given target object 512.

[0063] The invention has been explained above with reference to certainembodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention mayreadily be implemented using configurations and techniques other thanthose described in the embodiments above. Additionally, the presentinvention may effectively be used in conjunction with systems other thanthose described above. Therefore, these and other variations upon thediscussed embodiments are intended to be covered by the presentinvention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for creating a still image of a targetobject by utilizing a video camera, comprising: a support deviceconfigured to transport said video camera across said target objectduring a scanning procedure; and a scanning manager coupled to saidvideo camera for analyzing scan motion data from said scanningprocedure, and responsively generating still frames corresponding tosaid target object.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein a stitchingsoftware program combines said still frames to produce said still image,said stitching software program residing on one of said video camera andan external computer device.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein saidtarget object includes one of a document, a photographic image, aphysical object, a graphics image, and a geographic location.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein a motion detector generates said scan motiondata by monitoring said support device during said scanning procedure,said scan motion data including at least one of a scan speed and a scandirection.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said support device includesa cradle that is initially positioned at a starting index of a scantrack to allow said video camera to frame said target object using atleast one of a focus mechanism and a zoom mechanism.
 6. The system ofclaim 5 wherein a system user enters scan parameters into said videocamera for performing said scanning procedure, said scan parametersincluding at least one of a scan speed control, a scan directioncontrol, a still frame time interval control, a scan overlap control,and a scan resolution control.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein saidvideo camera generates an error warning on a user interface when saidsystem user enters an invalid scan parameter, said invalid scanparameter including a negative overlap setting which would cause saidstill images to be aligned in excess of a minimum adjacent still imageoverlap value.
 8. The system of claim 5 wherein said cradle beginstraveling along said scan track during said scanning procedure, saidvideo camera responsively beginning to capture and store video data thatcorresponds to said target object.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein adisplay manager in said video camera displays an active scan modeindicator on a user interface of said video camera during said scanningprocedure, said active scan mode indicator displaying user settings forsaid scan parameters.
 10. The system of claim 8 wherein said videocamera captures said video data using at least one of a complete videoframe format in which a series of sequential video frames each contain acomplete pixel set, and a keyframe format in which a series of keyframesthat contain said complete pixel set are separated by a series ofdifference frames which contain only altered pixels which are differentfrom a corresponding one of said keyframes, each of said keyframes beinggenerated when an altered pixel total exceeds a predetermined thresholdvalue.
 11. The system of claim 8 wherein a motion detector captures scanmotion data corresponding to movements of said video camera, said motiondetector providing said scan motion data to said scanning manager ofsaid video camera, said scan motion data including at least one of ascan speed and a scan direction.
 12. The system of claim 11 wherein saidmotion detector generates said scan speed by monitoring a rotationalvelocity sensor for at least one wheel upon which said cradle travelsduring said scanning procedure.
 13. The system of claim 11 wherein saidscan speed is expressed by a formula: Scan Speed=Non-Overlapped ScanDistance/Time Interval where said Non-Overlapped Scan Distance is alength of a non-overlapped region of an immediately-preceding stillframe prior to a start of a current still frame, and said Time Intervalis a length of time required by said cradle to transport said videocamera across said Non-Overlapped Scan Distance to said start of saidcurrent still frame.
 14. The system of claim 11 wherein said scanningmanager extracts an initial still frame of said target object from saidvideo data that is captured by said video camera during said scanningprocedure.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein said scanning managerextracts a current still frame of said target object from said videodata at a pre-determined time interval during said scanning procedure.16. The system of claim 15 wherein said scanning manager determines anoverlap region between said initial still frame and said current stillframe by referencing said scan motion data.
 17. The system of claim 16wherein said scanning manager calculates an overlap length for saidoverlap region according to a formula: Overlap Length=Still FrameLength−Non-Overlapped Scan Distance where said Overlap Length is adistance from a start of said overlap region to an end of said overlapregion, said Non-Overlapped Scan Distance is a length of anon-overlapped region of said initial still frame prior to a start ofsaid current still frame, and Still Frame Length is a constant length ofone of said still frames.
 18. The system of claim 16 wherein a stitchingsoftware program combines said video data in said overlap region betweensaid initial still frame and said current still frame to provide greaterimage detail and increased image resolution, said stitching softwareprogram thereby generating a composite still image of said target objectfrom said initial still frame and said current still frame.
 19. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein said video camera performs at least one of areiterative combination procedure and concurrent combination procedure,said reiterative combination procedure repeatedly combining animmediately-preceding one of said still frames and a current one of saidstill frames to generate said still image, said concurrent combinationprocedure concurrently combining a series of said still frames togenerate said still image.
 20. The system of claim 1 wherein saidscanning procedure is performed by one of a moving video camera process,a moving target object process, and a stationary camera-stationarytarget process that utilizes a moving scanning reflector element.
 21. Amethod for creating a still image of a target object by utilizing avideo camera, comprising the steps of: transporting said video cameraacross said target object with a support device during a scanningprocedure; analyzing scan motion data from said scanning procedure witha scanning manager; and generating still frames corresponding to saidtarget object by utilizing said scanning manager.
 22. The method ofclaim 21 wherein a stitching software program combines said still framesto produce said still image, said stitching software program residing onone of said video camera and an external computer device.
 23. The methodof claim 21 wherein said target object includes one of a document, aphotographic image, a physical object, a graphics image, and ageographic location.
 24. The method of claim 21 wherein a motiondetector generates said scan motion data by monitoring said supportdevice during said scanning procedure, said scan motion data includingat least one of a scan speed and a scan direction.
 25. The method ofclaim 21 wherein said support device includes a cradle that is initiallypositioned at a starting index of a scan track to allow said videocamera to frame said target object using at least one of a focusmechanism and a zoom mechanism.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein asystem user enters scan parameters into said video camera for performingsaid scanning procedure, said scan parameters including at least one ofa scan speed control, a scan direction control, a still frame timeinterval control, a scan overlap control, and a scan resolution control.27. The method of claim 26 wherein said video camera generates an errorwarning on a user interface when said system user enters an invalid scanparameter, said invalid scan parameter including a negative overlapsetting which would cause said still images to be aligned in excess of aminimum adjacent still image overlap value.
 28. The method of claim 25wherein said cradle begins traveling along said scan track during saidscanning procedure, said video camera responsively beginning to captureand store video data that corresponds to said target object.
 29. Themethod of claim 28 wherein a display manager in said video cameradisplays an active scan mode indicator on a user interface of said videocamera during said scanning procedure, said active scan mode indicatordisplaying user settings for said scan parameters.
 30. The method ofclaim 28 wherein said video camera captures said video data using atleast one of a complete video frame format in which a series ofsequential video frames each contain a complete pixel set, and akeyframe format in which a series of keyframes that contain saidcomplete pixel set are separated by a series of difference frames whichcontain only altered pixels which are different from a corresponding oneof said keyframes, each of said keyframes being generated when analtered pixel total exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
 31. Themethod of claim 28 wherein a motion detector captures scan motion datacorresponding to movements of said video camera, said motion detectorproviding said scan motion data to said scanning manager of said videocamera, said scan motion data including at least one of a scan speed anda scan direction.
 32. The method of claim 31 wherein said motiondetector generates said scan speed by monitoring a rotational velocitysensor for at least one wheel upon which said cradle travels during saidscanning procedure.
 33. The method of claim 31 wherein said scan speedis expressed by a formula: Scan Speed=Non-Overlapped Scan Distance/TimeInterval where said Non-Overlapped Scan Distance is a length of anon-overlapped region of an immediately-preceding still frame prior to astart of a current still frame, and said Time Interval is a length oftime required by said cradle to transport said video camera across saidNon-Overlapped Scan Distance to said start of said current still frame.34. The method of claim 31 wherein said scanning manager extracts aninitial still frame of said target object from said video data that iscaptured by said video camera during said scanning procedure.
 35. Themethod of claim 34 wherein said scanning manager extracts a currentstill frame of said target object from said video data at apre-determined time interval during said scanning procedure.
 36. Themethod of claim 35 wherein said scanning manager determines an overlapregion between said initial still frame and said current still frame byreferencing said scan motion data.
 37. The method of claim 36 whereinsaid scanning manager calculates an overlap length for said overlapregion according to a formula: Overlap Length=Still FrameLength−Non-Overlapped Scan Distance where said Overlap Length is adistance from a start of said overlap region to an end of said overlapregion, said Non-Overlapped Scan Distance is a length of anon-overlapped region of said initial still frame prior to a start ofsaid current still frame, and Still Frame Length is a constant length ofone of said still frames.
 38. The method of claim 36 wherein a stitchingsoftware program combines said video data in said overlap region betweensaid initial still frame and said current still frame to provide greaterimage detail and increased image resolution, said stitching softwareprogram thereby generating a composite still image of said target objectfrom said initial still frame and said current still frame.
 39. Themethod of claim 21 wherein said video camera performs at least one of areiterative combination procedure and concurrent combination procedure,said reiterative combination procedure repeatedly combining animmediately-preceding one of said still frames and a current one of saidstill frames to generate said still image, said concurrent combinationprocedure concurrently combining a series of said still frames togenerate said still image.
 40. The method of claim 21 wherein saidscanning procedure is performed by one of a moving video camera process,a moving target object process, and a stationary camera-stationarytarget process that utilizes a moving scanning reflector element.
 41. Acomputer-readable medium comprising program instructions for creating astill image with a video camera, by performing the steps of:transporting said video camera across said target object with a supportdevice during a scanning procedure; analyzing scan motion data from saidscanning procedure with a scanning manager; and generating still framescorresponding to said target object by utilizing said scanning manager.42. A system for creating a still image of a target object by utilizinga video camera, comprising: means for transporting said video cameraacross said target object during a scanning procedure; means foranalyzing scan motion data from said scanning procedure; and means forgenerating still frames corresponding to said target object.